Before the Whispers: Annapolis Wharfs & Whispers - Prequel Novella

by Molly Reyna

Genres: Mystery

174 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2026

About the author

Molly Reyna writes cozy mysteries for women who understand that midlife isn't a winding down — it's a sharpening.

After more than thirty years leading healthcare organizations, she found that storytelling wasn't so different from the work she'd always done — both are about how people connect, navigate change, and rebuild when life doesn't go to plan.

The Annapolis Wharfs & Whispers Mysteries grew out of fifteen years near Annapolis — a town of water, light, and layered history. At its heart is Evie Simmons, a former travel executive who trades a fast-paced career for a second act, and a reputation for uncovering what others would prefer stay buried.

Expect friendships across generations, the real terrain of grief and reinvention, great shoes, excellent wine, two opinionated rescue dogs, and just enough romance to remind you it's never too late to begin again.

Molly lives on the Florida coast. The series begins with Before the Whispers, followed by Shadows on the Water — coming October 2026.

Reviews

[Virginia]

Secrets Will Out

This promises to be an intriguing series if the rest are as interesting and well written as this prequel. Evie has ended up in Annapolis, widowed and 51, cut loose from corporate and travel, starting over. An old house, a new business, an old secret that wants telling...

[Emily]

This was my first cozy mystery - I had no idea what I was in for but I absolutely loved it! The storyline moved at a good speed- it kept my interest while adding detail in all of the right areas. You learn to fall in love with each character and the role they play throughout. I can’t wait to read more about Evie, Mike, and what has happened at the dock. 🚤🧭

[Alexia]

This was my first cozy mystery and it was very sweet! It was a quick and easy read and I'm most definitely interested in the next one. I will say that there were some cheesy parts, and there were parts in the mystery department that could have been described more and some parts in the cozy area that could have been condensed. But!! It didn't really detract from the reading, as I was hooked.

[Lynn]

a new beginning with a mystery

Evie is a 51 year old widow that decided to leave the corporate life, move to Annapolis, Maryland, and open an old Victorian home (The Three Sisters) to be a cafe, bookshop, interior design space, and a cellar bar with the help of other entrepreneurs. The house has a story it wants to tell about a previous occupants and Evie sets out to understand the mystery with her friends by her side. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. The history was uncovered and relayed with kindness and grace.

[Julia]

I didn’t really know what a cozy mystery would entail but I’m a fan now. This didn’t have my heart pumping like a typical mystery but did have me intrigued. I love midlife FMCs, so Evie was great. Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for this book!

[Vicki]

Such a cute book! Nice, cozy story.

[Cheryl]

Dense

Not an easy read. Short but slow. Really had to work to keep at it to finish it. Seemed to start in the middle rather than at the beginning. Several typos. Needs another set of eyes before publishing in my opinion.

[Michelle]

Interesting set up

I like stories with a good cast of supporting characters, and this book does. The mystery was a very bittersweet romance, with a strong ending. I look forward to the next book.

[Josie]

This is a wonderful cozy story and so well written! You fall in love with the characters and don’t want the book to end.